Leotychides

Leotychides belongs to Sparta's dual kingship, a hereditary commander thrust into the role of leading Greek naval forces against the Persian remnants in Ionia. His authority depends on coalition politics: he must hold together Athenian, Corinthian, and other contingents whose loyalties shift with circumstance and bribery. He matters because the Greek counteroffensive after Salamis needs a figurehead who can translate Spartan prestige into unified action, and his decisions at Mycale determine whether the Ionian revolt can be reignited.